Here’s why you need a budget for the purchases you want to make for your new home

The search for a home is a long one. After months of searching and weeks with the lender, it can feel like your dream home is never going to come together. When you finally make it to the closing table, you might think that everything is finished, and you can finally rest easy in your perfect new place.

Then reality hits.

The truth is, once you purchase a home, there’s still a lot of work to be done – namely shopping for the furnishings and accessories that will make the space yours. For many first-time homebuyers, it’s easy to forget about all of the things you’re going to need in a home. After all, most apartments come equipped with appliances and accessories. The worst part is that once you’ve signed and closed on the house, your savings might be looking a little dismal. Here are a few ways you can save money on those new purchases that you need to complete your home.

Keys and locks: Make sure you re-key your doors. Most people lend out keys to neighbors, family
members, and even coworkers. The last thing you want is to have someone uninvited use their guest
key, thinking the previous owners still live in your home.

The most inexpensive solution is to remove the locks from your doors and have your local hardware
store re-key them. New locks are going to be expensive, so this is an easy sidestep. Best of all, you and your new purchase will be secure.

Lawnmower and garden equipment: As an apartment dweller, you probably didn’t give much thought to landscaping. Unless you’re planning to have a gardener, you’re going to need to buy a lawnmower and other lawn care tools. Instead of purchasing a brand-new mower, consider checking out Craigslist or local resale shops. Most of the time, lawnmowers only need a bit of TLC, and they’re just like new again.

The same goes for garden supplies. Not only does every house need a hose, but you should also
consider picking up shovels, rakes, and a Weed-Wacker. Again, the best places to look for these are in secondhand shops, since they’re generally in good condition. Don’t forget about a push broom if your new home has a garage or a watering can and wagon if you’re planning to do any intensive landscaping.

Tools: Your new home needs a toolbox for unexpected emergencies. Toolboxes can be expensive, so check out yard sales and estate sales before buying brand new. In addition to the toolbox, you should have the following:
 Assorted sandpaper
 Assorted screws and nails
 Ball hammer and claw hammer
 Basin wrench
 Flathead and Philips screwdriver
 Hacksaw
 Nail driver
 Pliers
 Plumbers wrench
 Small power drill and drill bits
 Staple gun
 Tape measure
 Wire nuts

When you’re outfitting your toolbox, you might also consider purchasing tools for upcoming renovation or painting projects, such as the following:
 Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
 Five-gallon container for mixing paint
 Paint brushes – 1 inch to 4 inches
 Paint scraper
 Paint screen, roller, sleeves
 Steel brushes

Outdoor entertaining: lawn chairs, patio furniture, and assorted outdoor miscellany are basic starter
items for a backyard patio. These can add up, so look for items on sale or at secondhand shops.
Snow removal: Many cities have laws about snow removal, and as a homeowner, you might be liable
and responsible for removing it along with ice. Snowblowers can be expensive, but you might be able to find one on Craigslist that’s gently used.

Window coverings: One of the most exciting parts about owning a home is decorating it any way you
want. That means you get to decide the type of window coverings you want. If your budget is maxed, consider using self-adhesive paper blinds. These come with clips and are attached by peeling the
adhesive covering from the back. It’s a very inexpensive way to get the look of stained glass, and don’t cost much at all.

Appliances: Depending on your agreement with the previous owner, all or some of the appliances might have come with the house. If a range, refrigerator, washer, and dryer didn’t come with your home, buying used is a great option. At least this way, you’ll have the bare minimum until your savings recovers.

Linens and floor coverings: With new paint colors on the walls comes the need for fresh linens and
towels. You might also need to purchase bath and area rugs to match your modern décor. Check out
bargain stores that specialize in these products for low prices.

Pets: If you’ve always wanted a four-legged pal ,but were prohibited because you rented, now’s your
chance to add to the family! Consider adopting from a local shelter instead of using a breeder or mill.
Make sure your home is pet-friendly before you bring it to your new digs.

Also, make sure you have the time and attention to dedicate to training a new puppy or kitten.
Sometimes an older pet makes a great choice because it will require less attention and correction from you. Adoption from a local shelter can help save an animal from being euthanized. Since some pet stores sell pets carrying diseases, a shelter is always the right choice.

When you’ve finally signed on your dream home, it can feel like you’ve come to the end of a journey.
The reality is the journey is just beginning. This is an exciting time, and with the right financial finesse, you can have your new place housewarming-party ready in no time!